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The Messenger September 2026

Edition 71

Discover the Celtic Circle of Belonging.

Join us for a time of prayer and conversation as we explore the gift of friendship through the way of Celtic wisdom. I invite you to pray with me and invite God’s creative, Christ’s loving, and Spirit’s inspiring presence among us as we discover God’s dream for us, building on the foundation that has brought us this far. Everything begins with prayer, and from there we go.

Book to Guide Our Prayer and Discussion:

Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom

Thursday, September 3 – Praying

Thursday, September 10 – Thinking

Thursday, September 17 – Praying

Thursday, September 24 – Thinking

Pray with me: Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit, and we shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the Church.

Father Joe

Our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Kristin White

to Visit St. Matthew's Sunday, September 13

We are excited to welcome Bishop White to St. Matt's during our 10:30 am service this month!

Bishop White is a lifelong Episcopalian who was born in Anchorage, Alaska and raised in Prineville, Oregon. She was elected 10th Bishop of Southern Ohio on September 30, 2023 and ordained as bishop on February 17, 2024 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus. Read More about Bishop White.

As part of their Episcopal ministry, bishops visit the congregations of the diocese for worship, prayer, conversation and fellowship. These visits provide a key opportunity for the bishops to listen and talk with parishioners. We will be worshiping together then enjoying coffee and snacks following the service. Then, St. Matt's Vestry members, clergy and leaders will enjoy lunch together at the PTL House.

Coffee with the Wardens:

Thank You for the Conversation

Earlier this year, the wardens invited members of St. Matthew’s to gather informally over coffee (and, on one occasion, a beer!) to talk about our life together as a congregation. We were grateful for the thoughtful, candid and caring conversations that followed.

People shared what they value about St. Matthew’s, along with ideas about how we might continue to strengthen our worship and our life together. Some common themes emerged, including a desire for worship that is meaningful and welcoming while also being mindful of time; thoughtful use of announcements; making the Passing of the Peace warm but manageable; beginning worship on time; and continuing to think about how our music and liturgy help draw us more deeply into worship.



We also heard ideas and observations about communication, hospitality, our facilities and the many small things that help a church community function well.

The Wardens gathered the comments and shared a summary with Fr. Joe and other appropriate leaders so that the voices of those who participated could be part of ongoing conversations and decisions. That did not mean that every suggestion would, or should, result in a change. Rather, the purpose was simply to listen carefully and make sure that what we heard was passed along.

Perhaps the most encouraging part of these gatherings was how evident it was that people care deeply about Fr. Joe and St. Matthew’s.

Thank you to everyone who participated, spoke candidly, listened to one another and continues to help make St. Matthew’s a thoughtful, welcoming and loving community.

And please keep talking to us. The wardens are always happy to listen.

Mark Flanders and Donna Wyatt



Diocese Awards St. Matthew's Money for Food Insecurity Ministry

A total of $4000 was awarded to St. Matt's to support our continued missions: Promise House Free Store at Otterbein, Downtown Street Church lunches, WARM donations and the food pantry at Java Central.



St. Matthew's will be having our fall congregational dinner in October.

Stay tuned for the date and time, speaker,

and menu for our potluck.

Date of Street Church Changes in September to

Accommodate Bishop White's Visit

We will be serving a meal for Street Church on Sunday, September 27, at St. John’s Episcopal Church on West Town St., Franklinton, from 12:30-2:30 pm. If you can provide any items for our free store, see the list below or check the table at church for additional suggested needed items. Drop them off at the PTL House by Saturday, September 29.

Donate Items for the Free Shop: soap, washcloths, deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, lip balm, non-alcohol mouthwash, first aid supplies (band aids, ointment), batteries (AA, AAA), emery boards, tissues, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, socks.

Text, call Marsha at (614) 477-9122 or email her if you can in join in, boil some eggs or have any questions.

Donate Shelf-Stable Breakfast Items to Promise House

Food items, hygiene products, and fresh produce are always needed, but St. Matthew's has been a constant help in providing breakfast items. Bring your items to the PTL House during office hours or to church on Sundays labeled "Promise House".

Street Church

Our brand new and beautiful hand-constructed front door for the Pray.Think.Love House!

A quiet moment during service last month prior to the Eucharist.

PIMIL

Partners-in-Ministry-in-Liberia

PIMIL Invites Council Members for New School Year

The Liberian school year generally follows the same timeline as the American school year, with classes beginning in September. PIMIL’s fiscal year follows the same timeline. So, the PIMIL Council will hold its kickoff meeting for the 2026-2027 fiscal year this month, on Tuesday, September 8.

St. Matthew’s Greg Leaf is the chair of the Council, with representatives from six other local parishes also participating. Meetings are held monthly by Zoom, starting at 7 pm, and usually are completed by 8:00 or 8:30 pm.

Are you interested in international development?

Are you interested in the education of children?

Do you find it interesting to learn about another country and its culture, government, and history?

Would you enjoy the rewards of praying with and for the churches of another diocese of the Anglican Communion?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, please prayerfully consider joining the PIMIL Council. You could sit in on a PIMIL Council meeting, or reach out to Greg Leaf or Mother Abby to learn more about the work of the ministry. When it comes to helping the children of Liberia, the more Council members, the better!

Online Weekly Offerings for Your Well Being

Quick Links

St. Matthew's Website

St. Matthew's Facebook Page

The Diocese of Southern Ohio

Fr. Joe's Blog

Rick Kohut's Substack Page

Donate to St. Matthew's via PayPal

St. Matthew's Partners

Brave Young Voices

Coming Out Christian Podcast by Love Boldly

Good Medicine

Love Boldly

Partners in Mission in Liberia

Pause and Paint

The Westerville Queer Collective